A new Public Policy Polling (PPP) survey of likely Texas voters reveals Sen. Ted Cruz's popularity is sliding, making him vulnerable in his quest for reelection in 2018.

Cruz, in a hypothetical matchup, could even be unseated by the Lone Star State's former Gov. Rick Perry, according to the Raleigh, North Carolina-based polling firm.

"Cruz has become unpopular in the state, and he could be in trouble for winning the Republican nomination," PPP's Tom Jensen says.

"Overall only 39 percent of voters in the state approve of the job Cruz is doing, to 48 percent who disapprove."

Against Perry, who shares Cruz's universal name recognition, Cruz would face a 9 point deficit at 46/37, he says.

According to PPP, Cruz's popularity has slid since his controversial speech at the Republican National Convention, in which he congratulated Donald Trump for winning the GOP presidential nomination, but declined to endorse him.

"The skirmish with Trump seems to be contributing to an overall weakening of Cruz's position with Republicans in the state," Jensen says.

"Only 50 percent of GOP voters say they'd like Cruz to be their Senate candidate again in 2 years, to 43 percent who say they would prefer someone else."

The PPP poll of 944 likely voters was conducted from Aug. 12 -14 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.2 percentage points.

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